The Loafer June 6th by The Loafer

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Volume 31 • Issue #27 Publisher Luci Tate

on the cover

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle

Advertising Dave Carter Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Brad Parris Janie Jarvis Renee Taylor

Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com adcopy@theloaferonline.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/ or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!

columns & reviews

Office Coordinator Amanda Lane

22 Stargazer Moon Is First Stop for New Stargazers 23 Skies This Week 24 Batteries Not Included Dispatches From The Road 26 Pop Life Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales 29 Appalachian Wanderers Appalachian Caverns 30 The Casual Word Webster 32 Puzzle Page 35 Kelly’s Place It's A Phigital World After All

your week’s line-up

Mountain of Music Homecoming

Cover Design Bill May

4 6 7 8 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 20 25 27 30 31 33 34

Mountain of Music Homecoming Celebrating The Appalachian Spirit The Charlie Cash Benefit Show The Cedar Tree Four-Person Scramble Volunteers Needed Hayward and Tomko Exhibit The Cottage @ Barter Theatre RatRod Schedule Summer Train Excursion 20 Couples Tie The Knot Beauty and the Beast Covered Bridge Celebration Knoxville Zoo @ Johnson City Library Lakeside Concert Series Spotlight Beppe Gambetta in Concert Andy Offutt Irwin to Play Storytelling Live Hands ON June Events Summer Past History Program Pets Of The Week Things To Do

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

The Crooked Road’s 3rd Annual Mountains of Music Homecoming to feature Marquee Artists, Tribute Concerts and a Feastival of Special Dining Events

he Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, has announced its 3rd Annual Mountains of Music Homecoming, an extraordinary heritage music and cultural event taking place June 9 - 17, 2017 in over 50 communities throughout nineteen counties in Southwest Virginia. This remarkable nine-day event combines Appalachian food, authentic culture, arts, crafts, adventure and some of America’s nest heritage music artists who preserve the bluegrass, old-time, gospel, folk, and other music traditions at concerts all along the 330 miles of the Crooked Road. The 2017 event will feature performances by Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys with Larry Sparks and Ricky Skaggs, Wayne Henderson, Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys, the Quebe Sisters, Jerry Douglas & the Earls of Leicester, and many more artists presented in over 20 communities during the nine days. “We’re thrilled about this year’s line-up,” said Crooked Road Executive Director Jack Hinshelwood. “The Mountains of Music Homecoming provides audiences with a special opportunity to encounter these tradition carriers in the very places those traditions are preserved and perpetuated.” Travelers seduced by the sweet sounds of all that music will also discover rst-rate wineries, excellent cycling trails, shing, hiking, world-class galleries, jam sessions, historic tours and a wealth of unforgettable experiences to wile away the hours between ancient tunes and ballads. “Southwest Virginia’s heritage is as vital today as it was when its iconic gures and artists rst blazed new pathways in American music,” said John Kilgore, president of The Crooked Road. “The Mountains of Music Homecoming is a remarkable road trip where visitors can travel through the small towns and across the rolling hills that have inspired centuries of art, craft, Appalachian food and the songs and strings that have shaped this birthplace of country music.”

The Year We Sang

hough marvelous voices have always been a component of Homecomings past, this year’s Mountains of Music Homecoming will highlight some of the greatest singers in bluegrass, gospel and heritage ballad traditions. “The 2017 Homecoming will be themed ‘The Year We Sang,’ with musical programs featuring some of the region’s most inimitable voices, as well as singers, songwriters and interpreters of traditional music from near and far,” said Hinshelwood. “We’ll explore ballads, host song-swaps and experience the songs that have brought people together for hundreds of years.”

Ralphy Stanley II

Amythyst Kiah

Sheila Kay Adams

2017’s song-focused Mountains of Music Homecoming marquee concerts will feature performances by beloved Scottish folk singer Archie Fisher, heritage ballad singer Elizabeth LaPrelle, National Heritage Award recipient Sheila Kay Adams, and the compelling voices of singer-songwriters Amythyst Kiah and Dori Freeman. Finally, it would be hard to nd a bluegrass band more admired for singing than Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and this legendary group will be in concert at Haysi Kiwanis Park, on Friday June 9.

Mountain Music Legends - The Stanley Brothers Legacy

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

he Stanley Brothers, Ralph and Carter, left an indelible mark on the American musical landscape with their self- styled mountain music-approach to bluegrass. Music fans all over the world mourned Ralph’s recent passing in June of 2016. Here in his native Southwest Virginia, the Mountains of Music Homecoming will offer a special program to honor the legacy of the Stanley Brothers with a concert event featuring Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, a legendary group now passed down from father to son. Joining Ralph II in concert will be several more former Clinch Mountain Boys, including legends Larry Sparks and Ricky Skaggs for evening performances on June 11 at Virginia Tech’s Moss Arts Center and on June 12 at Norton’s Country Cabin. Each concert will follow special afternoon workshop interviews with the Clinch Mountain Boys led by Stanley Brothers music historian Gary Reid.

Cross-Cultural Roots

he settlement of Southwest Virginia is an immigration story rmly rooted in Scottish history, and there are many cultural connections to be celebrated at the Mountains of Music Homecoming 2017. Settlers of Scottish origins brought with them a rich musical heritage of ddle tunes, folk songs and ballads that would help form the backbone of traditional Appalachian music. Each year, the Homecoming presents performers that exemplify other unique musical traditions, and in 2017 the Homecoming features the music of Scotland with two stellar artists from Scottish tradition - master fiddler Alasdair Fraser and acclaimed cellist Natalie Haas. They will take the stage together at two special concerts bringing the unforgettable sound of the Scottish Highlands to Southwest Virginia. To complement the focus on song and ballad traditions, the Homecoming will also present renowned Scottish folk singer Archie Fisher from Glasgow at Emory & Henry College’s McGlothlin Center for the Arts.

Ralphy Stanley

Festivals

hile the hills and hollers of Appalachia have not always been associated with haute cuisine, a quiet revolution led by celebrated regional chefs, authors and innovative restaurateurs has really put the food of the Crooked Road region on the map. In 2017, Mountains of Music will host three Feastival events, designed and organized by Dr. Jean Haskell and Dr. Katie Ho man. Each features delicious farm-to-table cuisine, live musical performances, and custom works created by a regional artist or artisan. Acclaimed Appalachian food writer and cultural ambassador Ronni Lundy will be the keynote speaker for all three events. The Feastivals will exhibit a wide range of Appalachian flavors, artistic styles and cultural touchstones. On June 11, in Hillsville, Virginia, attendees will enjoy a traditional Sunday dinner on the church grounds of the historic Dinwiddie Presbyterian Church at an event celebrating “Faith and Appalachian Culture.” On June 13, at the luxurious 12,000 acre Primland resort in Meadows of Dan, farm- to-table haute cuisine will head up an evening on “Appalachian Innovation and Creativity,” followed by music from powerhouse singer Amythyst Kiah. On June 17, celebrated chef Travis Milton will surely dazzle with his imaginative use of locally sourced ingredients. Singer-songwiter Dori Freeman will offer an afterdinner concert, further emphasizing the evening’s theme of “Appalachian History and Regeneration.” The event will showcase the newly opened Western Front Hotel in St. Paul, Virginia.

The Ultimate Road Trip

he scenic landscape of Southwest Virginia offers visitors glorious opportunities for sightseeing, exploration and outdoor adventure. Mountains of Music Homecoming attendees will experience a remarkable array of cultural events and activities nely tuned to show off the region’s best art, history, craft, and traditional cuisine. Whether climbing mountain trails, paddling rivers, exploring art museums, general stores, sampling Appalachian fare, mingling with the locals in picturesque small towns or musing in wonder at spectacular views from a high vista, visitors can connect to the deep well of inspiration that has birthed so much extraordinary music and art. The 2017 Mountains of Music Homecoming kicks o on Friday, June 9, 2017. Concert tickets go on sale December 20, 2016. Visit mtnsofmusic.com for additional concert updates and cultural events as they are posted. For updates and announcements, “like” us at Mountains of Music Homecoming on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for Homecoming newsletters at mtnsofmusic.com.

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

A TASTE OF APPALACHIA’S FUTURE Chef Travis Milton epitomizes Appalachia, and we’re the better for that. His acclaimed meals and restaurants have made him one of the most celebrated chefs working in the Southeast. He’s brought the same passion to revitalizing his native Southwest Virginia that he has to creating his delicious menus. His cooking fuses tradition and innovation, illuminating the abundance and deliciousness of the region’s foodways. Part culinary artist, part activist, Chef Milton strives to serve delectable meals that also o er insight into the history and culture of the region. “I don’t want to be somewhere else cooking Appalachian food, preaching it, and benefiting from it. Being home, working with farmers at home, putting my money where my heart is means I’m part of the forward movement.” On Saturday June 17th, Travis Milton will prepare a meal that celebrates both cherished past and bright future at the Western Front Hotel in his newly revitalized hometown of St. Paul, Virginia—in the heart of coal country. He will be joined by James Beard Foundation Book of The Year award winner Ronni Lundy, author of Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, with Recipes (Clarkson Potter, 2016) and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Dori Freeman at this Feastival celebrating “history, heritage and revitalization.”. Event organizers Jean Haskell and Katie Ho man of Bespoke Appalachia promise that each Feastival will o er delicious fare grounded solidly in Appalachian tradition, as well as extraordinary accompanying music and art. Says Ho man, “Each Feastival will o er its own specific spin on farm-to-table plus design. These will be an immersion in local culture and artistry.” Each Feastival has a themed design that accents interesting aspects of Appalachian spirit and creativity. LIFTING THE SPIRITS WITH DOWN HOME HOSPITALITY On Sunday June 11th, historic Dinwiddie Presbyterian Church will host an afternoon of faith, food, community and music, in Hillsville, Virginia. This Feastival will feature a delicious dinner-on-the-grounds-style meal and Ronni Lundy will discuss Appalachian food traditions and shared recipe hunting experiences with Libby Bondurant, co-author of Grazing Along the Crooked Road. Bluegrass prodigies Changing Lanes and old-time music masters Mac Traynham and Edwin Lacy will join forces to provide the perfect musical complement to the meal. This Feastival will reflect the abundance of Appalachian farms and the tradition of hospitality and generosity that keeps this kind of after-church fellowship gathering so vital across Southwest Virginia. This is the perfect opportunity to bring the family for an afternoon of great food, wonderful music, and a heaping helping of Appalachian hospitality. SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA SOPHISTICATION Located on 12,000 acres at an elevation of 3,000 feet near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the village of Meadows of Dan, luxury resort Primland encompasses mountain vistas, woods and a scenic bend of the Dan River. In 2015, it was named one of the best resorts in the world by Travel & Leisure. On Tuesday, June 13, it will host a one-of-a-kind Feastival featuring Appalachian haute cuisine. This “Appalachian Elegance” themed Feastival at Primland will commence with cocktails on the terrace, followed by a sumptuous multi-course meal designed by Chef Ernest Bledsoe, featuring game dishes and seasonal, locally-sourced produce. Ronni Lundy, featured author and speaker for the complete Feastival series, will o er commentary on how the elegant fare reflects Appalachian culinary tradition. After dinner, guests will be treated to a performance by powerhouse performer Amythyst Kiah, a self-described “Southern Gothic, alt-country, blues singer/songwriter.”

At The Appalachian Fair Grounds

riting and recording their second EP (self titled) which is scheduled for release mid summer of 2017. And, along with the help of a dedicated team of planners and several area corporate sponsors, have been organizing and will be hosting a benefit event for Charlie "Cash" Hicks, to be held June 10, 2017 at the Appalachian Fair Grounds. Cash, a local two year old boy battling neuroblastoma at St. Jude's in Memphis, first gained the medias attention shortly after his diagnosis last July, when an outpouring of support came from musicians all over the country. All of them recording and posting videos of themselves singing Cash's fight song, Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down". Seasons of Me drummer, Greg Barrett, stated, "The level of support by the local community for Cash and his family has been truly amazing throughout his treatment, with the initial GoFundMe campaign that was set up and several benefit drives early on, but we knew that further down the road the continued cost of travel back and forth to Memphis and ongoing expense of keeping the home front in

order would take more help. That is why we decided to do this event later. We are blessed to have the ability to do what we love and we try to use that to give back as much as possible locally. We have a lot of causes we try to support and cancer is

at the top of the list. I've known the Hicks family for a long time. Cash's uncle and I were band mates back in the mid 90's. We wanted to do something big, so we set the wheels in motion back in September and assembled an awesome team to pull this off. We're hoping for a good turn out!" The event June 10th which has been dubbed "The Charlie Cash Benefit Bash" will run from 10 AM until 10 PM and promises to be a family friendly day filled with fun, food, and plenty of music. Some of the attractions include a car and bike show, a 50/50 corn hole tournament, food/ craft/retail vendors, an on site poker run that anyone can participate in, a kids zone, a silent auction, a scavenger hunt, and live music all day spanning all genres by several local and regional artists. Admission will be donations at the gate. More information may be found on the event's official site at: www. charliecashbenefit.com and also on the event Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ charliecashbenefitbash. Donations for the auction and pre registration for the car/bike show and the corn hole tournament are also being accepted through the official site.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

The Charlie Cash Benefit Bash

Local/Regional recording and touring artist Seasons of Me recently took some time off from their normal schedule to focus on two big projects.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

The Cedar Tree Four-Person Scramble

Comes to The Bristol Golf Club By Paul Kavanaugh

This weekend the Bristol Golf Club at The Cedars is hosting a major four-person scramble.

t is an A-B-C-D, captain’s choice format that boasts a $1,000 prize to the winning team. Paying four places at the end of the two-day event, a maximum of 72 players will be entered. If you have not registered, give them a call soon 423-797-4411 as once the 72 slots are full, no more entries. The great news for the public is the Friday night Launch Party featuring Ivy Road in the covered pavilion. Food and beverages are being furnished, and there is no cover charge, everyone is welcome. A Calcutta, where anyone can “buy” a team, will take place Friday night before the music starts at 7:00. BYOB if you’re so inclined. Superintendent Dan Estes anticipates a full house and a full tournament. Should be a lot of fun; I only wish I could play but The Loafer folks are already committed to RatRod for the weekend. Tell Dan I said hello!

Volunteers Needed at Gray Fossil Site

Paleontology enthusiasts are invited to volunteer with excavation and lab crews at the East Tennessee State University Gray Fossil Site and Museum.

volunteer orientation session for prospective “paleontological assistants” is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m.-noon at the museum. Many volunteer positions are currently available, primarily assisting in the field, because of the recent discovery of a nearly complete mastodon skeleton, among several other individuals. Gray Fossil Site paleontologists are seeking dedicated people to help recover this and other specimens. Volunteers will work side-by-side with the crew, excavating the massive bones and wetscreening the sediment produced during the dig. By joining the museum team, volunteers become part of a unique group of dedicated individuals who can be found in nearly every area of the site. Whether digging in the pits, screening sediment, picking concentrate, greeting visitors, guiding groups or working alongside museum curators, there are many important ways in which volunteers contribute. The museum regularly offers volunteer training and orientation in the spring and fall, but the June 10 session has been scheduled as an “extra push” because of the new mastodon skeleton. Training and orientation is required, and the museum cannot accept new volunteers outside of the orientation dates. Volunteers must be 15 or older. Regular hours at the Gray Fossil Site and Museum, located 1.8 miles off Exit 13 on Interstate 26, are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. For more information, email Shawn Haugrud, laboratory and field manager, at haugrud@etsu. edu or call 423-439-3661 and leave a voice message.

at the McKinney Center

Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts at the McKinney Center is pleased to announce the second show of the Artist Exhibition Series. The exhibition will be open and free to the public starting with the Opening Reception on Friday, June 9, 6pm. It will run through July 21. The McKinney Center is open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm.

arolyn Tomko grew up in eastern Virginia, where summer days are hot and humid. One of her favorite things to do as a child was to create mud pies for family, friends, dolls and pets. It wasn’t enough to just create them, she had to find berries, rocks and even bugs to enhance their beauty. When she had a young family, creating tea sets and animals out of Play Dough were some of her favorite family play times. It was only natural to make a full circle and play in clay after retiring from the Town of Jonesborough nine years ago. One of the beauties of this stage of her life is the ability to create beautiful pottery that is fired and can last for generations. It is a joy have good friends who also enjoy pottery. One of her passions is creating hand crafter characters such as animals, Santa’s, gnomes, snowmen, angles and nativities. Making houses for birds is always a fun challenge. Pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns are great fall creations. Yard art, wall pockets, tree art and wall decorations are also a joy to create. Usable pottery such as platters and plates are always fun to created and embellish. It is not enough for her to create a platter, she also adds birds, nests, flowers, or even an animal.

Tomko states that, “almost every day is a ‘clay day’, and she feels a need to show and sell some of her work. She is not interested in a new career. She just wants to have fun creating, making new friends, and enjoying old ones.” After thirty years in Law enforcement in South Florida, Richie retired to Jonesborough, Tennessee where he has resumed his passion for outdoor and wildlife photography. In 2005 Richie made the jump to digital photography and opened a whole adventure in making images. Since then, he has traveled from Katmai National Park photographing brown bears, to South Africa on photo safaris. Richie also traveled extensively across the United States photographing everything from wildlife, scenic and old rusting cars and trucks-Rusting Relics. Ritchie describes his work as, “Eclectic”. Richie’s passion is the endangered species of wildlife, especially those in Africa such as the much poached Rhino and Elephant. He has been up close and personal with these possible to be extinct creatures. It is his desire to educate and make people aware of the plight of these great animals. Richie also likes to share his images via Facebook, digital gallery and community presentations. Richie’s images have been seen on NatGeo Online, numerous publications and at various galleries. For more information, email Theresa Hammons at theresah@jonesborougtn.org or call 423-753-0562.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Hayward and Tomko Exhibit

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

he play features Amy Baldwin, Andrew Hampton Livingston, Hannah Ingram, Justin Tyler Lewis, Hope Quinn and Josh Levinson (pictured). Telling the story of love and betrayal, “The Cottage” is full of laughs and surprises. When sly Sylvia sends telegrams to her husband and her lover’s wife, the quartet meet at a secluded cottage to provide a saucy tale that explodes with laughs and razor sharp wit.

Director Richard Rose said the play’s “brutal honesty” serves as the perfect premise for a comedy. “So one person wakes up one day and tells everyone the truth. That one truth leads to a whole series of truths … and the world is turned upside down. Not for harm, but for the better. The lives of everyone involved are changed. In many ways, the truth frees them from the burden of deceit,” Rose said. Be sure to get your tickets to upcoming Barter Theatre productions, with tickets for every show starting at $20. Call the Barter Theatre Box Office at 276-628-3991 for more information. Barter Theatre, the nation’s longest running professional theatre, is located in Abingdon, Virginia. The theatre opened in 1933 during the Great Depression. Founder Robert Porterfield offered patrons admission to the theatre by bartering food and livestock. Barter Theatre was designated as the state theatre of Virginia in 1946. It exists today as one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theaters remaining in the United States. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

FestivalsGot an event coming up? Events

Send it to The Loafer!

Concertsinfo@theloaferonline.com Exhibits

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

at Barter Theatre

The Cottage

Barter Theatre’s production of “The 11 Cottage” runs until August 12 on Barter Theatre’s Gilliam Stage.

Thursday June 8 thru Sunday June 11 RatRod arrivals Wed & Thurs 9:00 - 9:00

RatRod Schedule

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

THURSDAY 7:00 9:00

FRIDAY 9:00 2:00 5:00 7:00 9:00

SATURDAY 2:00 3:00 5:00 6:30 ish 7:00 8:00 ish 8:45 ish 9:00 10:00 ish

SUNDAY

8:00 9:00 1:00 2:00

Live music kicked off by Cory Jeter and Six Strings Under Double Shott

RatRod lot opens for arrivals and set up Vendors set up window is 9:00 - 11:00 AM Loafer relax and re-charge tent opens Swap meet tent for parts, etc. continues thru 7:00 Saturday Live music on the main stage Asylum Suite on the main stage

Kids Karaoke competition Kids Bicycle & Wagon Competition RatRod competition judging throughout the day Overall RatRod winners/awards presentation The burnout competition follows the awards presentation Hillbilly Bad on the main stage Pin up competition with Morgana Divine on the main stage Shooter on the main stage Pin up competition winners announced Flamethrower competition Wyldeheart on the main stage Beard and tattoo competition after first set Breakfast opens - available all morning Registration for BMS laps (can register throughout the weekend) $45 for 15 laps Laps at BMS set to begin 1:00 ish Summit closes/Vendor breakdown

Chaperoned kids area with inflatables, face painting, Karaoke camp all weekend. Admission is $6 per person. $1 goes to Breast Cancer Foundation. All proceeds from BMS track runs go to Speedway Children's Charities.

ickets must be purchased no later than June 12. The price for the excursion is $90 for adults and $80 for children ages three through 12. Those two years of age and younger may ride free. The fee includes bus transportation to and from Knoxville, a tour of the back shops, a 90-minute steam train ride and a luncheon cruise on the Tennessee Riverboat. Passengers should arrive at ETSU’s parking lot 22A on Go Bucs Trail no later than 6:30 a.m. to travel by motor coach to Knoxville. The Three Rivers Rambler steam train will depart at 10 a.m. and follow a scenic route along the Tennessee River following the back shop tour. Upon returning to the station at 12:30 p.m., passengers will be delivered to the Tennessee Riverboat Company for the luncheon cruise. Following the riverboat cruise, the buses will begin loading at 3 p.m. and will depart at 3:30 p.m. for Johnson City, arriving around 5:30-6 p.m. Ticket order forms and liability waivers are available at the Carter Railroad Museum on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or online at the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders website at www.memrr.org by choosing “NRHS News” and then “Ticket Order Form.” A signed liability waiver form must accompany the ticket request. Payment may be made by check or money order payable to the G. L. Carter Chapter, NRHS, and mailed to G. L. Carter Chapter, NRHS; attn.: Bill Beagen, 1091 Henderson Court, Jonesborough, TN 37659. For more information, contact Beagen at 423-753-7890 or email him at rrbill@embarqmail.com.

theloaferonline.com | March 28, 2017

Summer Train Excursion

The George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway 13 Historical Society (NRHS) and East Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum will sponsor a scenic train excursion and Riverboat Cruise to Knoxville on Saturday, June 24

Photo courtesy of Three Rivers Rambler

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

20 Couples Tie The Knot At Abingdon's Summer Lovin' Concert

veryone knows Virginia is for Lovers, and Saturday June 10th, Abingdon celebrates the love of 20 couples who will get married or renew their vows at the Summer Lovin’ Concert. The Summer Lovin’ Concert takes place at the Abingdon Market Pavilion in downtown Abingdon. The festivities will kick off with a joint wedding ceremony at 5:00pm, after which the happy couples and their friends can party to the upbeat sounds of the Carolina Breakers. No need to get married-the public is invited to crash this wedding for FREE! Wedding guests can enjoy a free slice of wedding cake while supplies last, and visit the beer garden for a cash bar (offering beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for sale). S ponsor Nancy’s Fancys will create the wedding cake, while sponsor Blue Door Garden is providing wedding bouquets for the ceremony. Nine couples are legally getting married at

the concert, with an additional 11 renewing their vows. One lucky couple also won a free night at The Martha Washington Inn and Spa for their honeymoon. Non-denominational officiant Ben Casteel will perform the ceremony. Based in Myrtle Beach, SC, the Carolina Breakers are a high-energy band with five lead vocalists and a horn section covering beach music hits, plus Motown, Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Disco, Beach and various other special requests. Fans of beach music will want to shag the night away to this upbeat band. Wedding ceremony starts at 5:00pm, concert at 6:30pm. This event is free and open to the public. No outside alcohol or coolers allowed. Food trucks will be on site. Proceeds from the beer garden benefit Abingdon Main Street. For more information, visit www. abingdonmusicexperience.com or call 276676-2282.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Theatre Bristol's Production of

Theatre Bristol presents the enchanted tale of "Disney's Beauty 15 and the Beast" at the Paramount Center for the Arts, opening June 16 and running for two weekends with evening and matinee performances. Tickets are on sale now at www.paramountbristol. org for this beloved story of acceptance and love, brought to life as part of Theatre Bristol's 52nd season.

heatre Bristol is pleased to bring this Tonynominated musical and Grammy awardwinning soundtrack--now featured in a recordbreaking live action film--with our area's own talented actors, singers, dancers, designers, and musicians. "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" includes favorite songs with music composed by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, as well as songs by Menken and Tim Rice, with book by Linda Woolverton telling the "tale as old as time" of Belle and the Beast. The production is based on the Academy Award-winning animation and then originally directed by Robert Jess Roth and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Directing Theatre Bristol's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast is highly respected and talented actor/director, Theatre Bristol veteran Glenn Patterson (The Music Man, Les MisĂŠrables, Scrooge! The Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Miracle on 34th Street). Patterson is joined by a talented production team including Assistant Leticia Peltzer, Stage Manager Nicole Intagliata, Assistant Stage Managers Hyacynth Barbera and Valerie Altman, Designer and Technical Director David Hyde, Costume Designer/Dance Captain Camille Gray, Choreographer April Grace, Scenic Artist Bert White, Special Effects Technician David Maloney, and Producer Samantha Gray. The bookworm Belle is played by Makenna Arnold and the Beast by Josh Cassels. Her father Maurice is played by Steve Baskett. James Francis is her suitor Gaston and Jake Price his sidekick Lefou. Mike Locke is Monsieur D'Arque. The Silly Girls are Rebecca Catalano, Hope Dingus, and Rachel Locke. The castle inhabitants are Dan Gray as Cogsworth and Nick Reynolds as Lumiere, Laura O'Bryan as Mrs. Potts with Whitney Brooks as son Chip, Savannah Shaver as Babette, and Mary Ellis Rice as Madame De La Grande Bouche. Cast in the ensemble of enchanted objects, townspeople, and wolves are Marley Bishop, Elizabeth Burns, Natascha Carlucci, Brianne Godsey, Camille Gray, Emma Hatcher, Gray Hatcher, Kherington Hillis, Kielyn Hillis, Anna Kimerer, Callee-Scout Love, Kaitlin Meade, Raina Moody, Cameron Roberts, Carly Rutherford, Olivia Stevens, Lucy Tester, Faith Vance, Mary Walters, Morgan Whitaker, Ava White, James Altman, Joey Collard, Seth Gilstrap, David Godsey, Luke Gray, Zaiah Gray, Noah Johnson, and Jace Lyon.

Continued on page 31

Photo: Matthew Torbett

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

51st Annual

Covered Bridge Celebration The Elizabethton Carter County Chamber of Commerce and the Covered Bridge Committee are pleased to announce the 2017 Covered Bridge Celebration in Downtown Elizabethton!

he event will be held June 8-10. While entertainment will be held nightly; vendors will be selling on Friday and Saturday beginning at 10am. On Thursday, June 8th music will begin at 6pm and we will close out that evening with Carson Peters and Iron Mountain. Carson Peters started playing the fiddle at the age of 3. At 12 years old, Carson is a seasoned performer playing numerous venues with his band throughout the region; Bristol Rhythm and Roots, Dollywood’s Bluegrass and BBQ, Asheville’s Bluegrass First Class, Song of the Mountains, Carter Family Fold and WDVX’s World Class Bluegrass concert series to name a few. Carson has also had the honor of playing on national TV as a guest on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Little Big Shots with Steve Harvey, as well as play with Jimmy Fortune on the floor of the Tennessee State Senate. On March 28, 2014, Carson’s dream of playing on the Grand Ole Opry stage was realized when he was invited by Ricky Skaggs to come perform with him and his band, Kentucky Thunder. In May of the same year, Carson was asked to make a reappearance at the Opry, but this time with his own band. On July 31, 2014, Carson made his Ryman Auditorium debut playing again with Ricky Skaggs during the 2014 Bluegrass Nights series. Since these appearances, Carson and his band have performed numerous occasions on the Opry Show. On Friday, June 9th our full festival will begin at 10am with all arts/

crafts, food vendors and kid’s attractions open for business! Music will begin at 5pm on Friday and will close out with Blue Highway. A highlyesteemed bluegrass band, Blue Highway has earned a collective 26 IBMA Awards, 6 SPBGMA Awards, one Dove Award, plus three Grammy nominations as a band, in addition to two prestigious Grammy Awards among its current members. Blue Highway was voted the Favorite Bluegrass Artist of All Time by the readers of Bluegrass Today in April 2016. The Chamber is excited to announce that Grammy Award Winner, Suzy Bogguss will be closing out the festival on Saturday, June 10th. Suzy's accomplishments include ten albums for Capitol Records, one of which has been certified platinum and three others, gold. Eight of her singles have cracked country music's top 5. Suzy is the recipient of a GRAMMY award as well as several awards from the Academy of Country Music, The Country Music Association, CMT, and ASCAP. Saturday will feature some of our favorite events like local dancers, the Little Mr. and Miss Hillbilly Contest and the Covered Bridge 5k Run/3k walk. Not only will Suzy Bogguss be closing out the festival in musical entertainment on Saturday night, but there will also be a beautiful Fireworks Display created by Dynamic Effects sponsored by Snap-on Tools after her performance.

he Knoxville Zoo ambassadors will have up to three different animals and numerous artifacts to show and teach concepts such as habitats, adaptations, classifications, and predator/prey relationships. This program is designed for rising kindergarten through fifth graders and their parents/caregivers, but all are welcome to attend. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Johnson City Public Library. The Summer Reading Program will continue through July 20. Children are encouraged to participate in the Summer Reading Program and register at the library or online to be a part of the Summer Reading Club. Support materials for the Summer Reading Program are provided by the Tennessee State Library and Archives. For more information about this free program or other Youth Services programs, please call 423-434-4458.

Winged Deer Park’s Lakeside Concert Series will showcase 17 the talents of the Jerry Pierce and the Nightlife Band on Thursday, June 8. theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Lakeside Concert Series Jerry Pierce and the Nightlife Band

@ Johnson City Library

Knoxville Zoo

The Johnson City Public Library is pleased to host the Knoxville Zoo as part of the “Build a Better World” Summer Reading Program on Monday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jones Meeting Room.

and members include Pierce as lead vocalist and saxophone player; Libby Hatcher as the band’s only female vocalist who also plays keyboard and strings; drummer Jim Black, who played with a lot of big name entertainers during the Motown era; and Tom Dickens on bass and backup vocals. With 36 years of entertainment experience, this performance will have everyone dancing to their favorite oldies. The concert takes place from 7-9 p.m., and admission is free. Lawn chairs and picnic baskets are welcome; concessions will be available on site. Winged Deer Park is located at 4137 Bristol Highway, and the lakefront Goulding Amphitheatre is off Carroll Creek Road. For more information, call (423)2835815, or email jcparksinfo@ johnsoncitytn.org.

The year’s remaining concert schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, June 15, 7-9 pm – Shades of Refinement • Thursday, June 22, 7-9 pm – Asylum Suite • Thursday, June 29, 7-9 pm – Beach Nite Band • Thursday, July 6, 7-9 pm – Model City Wrecking Crew

• Sunday, Sept. 10, 6-8 p.m. – Johnson City Symphony This year’s Lakeside Concert Series is sponsored by News and Neighbor and 101.5 WQUT, Tri-Cities Classic Rock.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Spotlight

- TUESDAY - June 6th Benny Wilson Band Holston River Brewing Company Will Carlisle/Logan Place Acoustic Coffeehouse Jason Lloyd and Mary Munsey Rush Street Acousta Pimps Wild Wing Cafe

- WEDNESDAY - June 7th Logan Fritz The Harvest Table Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Rusty Steel w/ Quarter Bounce 50Fifty Sports Tavern Steve Smith (Meteor) Acoustic Coffeehouse

- THURSDAY - June 8th Trapped + Pride Capone’s Mike Holstein Wellington’s Restaurant Mike Snodgrass Band Wild Wing Cafe Jerry Pierce & The Nightlife Band Winged Deer Park Lakeside Concert Series Smokehouse Crickets Model City Tap House The Broadcast Abingdon Market Pavillion Joe Cat Acoustic Coffeehouse Will Overman Bone Fire Smokehouse Cory Jeter & Six Strings, Doubleshott Holston River Brewing Company

- FRIDAY - June 9th Austin Vomit Memorial Show The Hideaway The Blair Experience Wild Wing Cafe Acoustifried Town of Marion Crocodile Smile Sonny’s Cafe Danika & The Jeb Music on the Square ThunderCock w/ Earth Suits / Porno Arcade Capone’s

If you or your band are playing in the upcoming week and would like to be in The Spotlight, call in advance to (423) 283-4324 or go online to: theloaferonline.com. Due to last minute cancellations or changes, please call the location to confirm.

- FRIDAY - June 9th Farmhouse Ghost Quaker Steak & Lube Kids Our Age Memorial Park Community Center Beppe Gambetta Down Home Retroville Painter Creek Marina David Wiseman da6d/ Breadfoot Acoustic Coffeehouse 7 Mile Mushroom Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Ivy Road at Bristol Golf Club Double Shott Country Club Bar & Grill Andy Farrell Bone Fire Smokehouse Mountain Faith Twilight Alive Concert Series Asylum Suite Holston River Brewing Company Adam Graybeal’s Hillbilly Soul Marker “2” Grille Open Talent Night Bears Bar

- SATURDAY - June 10th 3.0 at Country Club Bar & Grill Suthern Boyz Elizabethton Moose Lodge Mathew Hickey Band Wild Wing Cafe Jerry Grant & the Corruptors The Pit Stop Jerry Pierce & The Nightlife Band Spruce Pine Steele Cookin’ Studio Brew Whyskey Outlaws Erwin Moose Lodge Saul Brooks Band Woodstone Deli Ford Theatre Reunion Sleepy Owl Brewery 7 Mile Mushroom (acoustic) at Model City Tap House Shooter Band Holston River Brewing Company Southern Countrymen Band Willoughby Ruritan

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com - SATURDAY - June 10th Lauren Cole Band Sonny’s Cafe Nightshift Band David Thompson’s Produce The Diamonds Jazz Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill Jason Whitaker / Asheville Acoustics Our House Restaurant Ryan Ward Damascus Brewery Suthern Boyz 50Fifty Sports Tavern Navajo Witch / Yashira The Hideaway Mountain Rose Bluegrass Band Down Home Southern Boyz / Hillbilly Soul / Stone Creek 4 / Sullivan Street / Below 7 / Strike Zone 50Fifty Sports Tavern Shooter Band Holston River Brewing Company Coal Creek Painter Creek Marina The Dusty Travelers / Waiting for Eternity Acoustic Coffeehouse Shimmy & the Burns w/ The Gentlemen & Liars Capone’s Smokehouse Crickets Model City Tap House Bill & The Belles Bone Fire Smokehouse Uncle Shuffelo & His Haint Hollows / Hootenanny / Ronnie Williams & Lorrie Carter Bennett Carter Family Fold Southern Rebellion Marker “2” Grille Hillbilly Bad, Shooter, Wyldeheart Holston River Brewing Company Tennessee LaRue Bears Bar

- SUNDAY - June 11th Will Overman Band Acoustic Coffeehouse Sons of Pitches Bone Fire Smokehouse Ivy Road Marker “2” Grill Adam Graybeal's Hillbilly Soul Sonny’s Cafe

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

Shades of Refinement Holston River Brewing Company

Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872

Bristol Station & Brews 41 Piedmont Avenue Bristol VA 276-608-1220

Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875

Bear's Bar 4460 Highway 421 Bristol TN 423-502-1975

CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361

Painter Creek Marina 766 Painter Creek Rd Bristol TN 423-878-5755

Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037

Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444

Country Club of Bristol 6045 Old Jonesboro Rd. Bristol 423-652-1700

Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One Street Gray, TN 423-282-9440

Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100

Studio Brew 221 Moore Street Bristol VA 423-360-3258

Boomershine's Pizza 4079 Highway 394 Bluff City 423-575-7500 Bristol Golf Club 115 Cedar Creek Road, Bristol TN 423-797-4411

KARAOKE

- TUESDAY - June 13th -

Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN

TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Tina and West at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Logans Karaoke with Top shelf Entertainment at Boomershine’s Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holston River Brewing Company Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Top Shelf Entertainment at Painter Creek Marina Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************

FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Los Amigos Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

- MONDAY - June 12th -

Open Jazz Jam Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill David Bradley Crooked Road General Store Open Mic Acoustic Coffeehouse

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Moon Is First Stop for New Stargazers

Y Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

The evening Moon of the summer months seems to draw more attention than any other time of the year. With lots of people outdoors in the nine o’clock hour when twilight starts to grip the landscape, everyone seems to look up at the Moon.

ou can see so much of the Moon and you just don’t realize it. So let’s take some time to look at the surface of the Moon with the naked eye and binoculars—a telescope might really blow your mind! That’s what happened to me and many other amateur astronomers who pointed their first telescope at our next door neighbor in outer space. The Moon is where my passion for stargazing began, looking at all those craters and mountains named after the very famous people and places of Earth. You might not experience the lunacy I have about stargazing, but even spending a few casual minutes looking up at our Moon can change your perspective about things in outer space. As the crescent Moon begins to be seen like a fingernail hanging in the western twilight, it’s morning on an alien world that has a “day” that lasts 29 Earth days. That’s why amateur astronomers count the Moon days from New phase, with a seven-day-old Moon being First Quarter, the 14-day Moon is full phase, 21 day Moon is Last Quarter and the 28-29 day Moon is New phase. So, a 5-day Moon is a big crescent a couple of days before First Quarter. Some facts about what causes the phases: Our natural satellite is onefourth the size of Earth at 2,160 miles, its airless and mostly light rock without many heavy iron-like elements. Observed from above Earth’s North Pole, the Moon revolves counter-clockwise (eastward in our skies) at a speed of 2,100 mph. Since the Earth spins eastward at 1,100 mph, the Moon travels ahead of the Earth’s rotation and moves 12.5 degrees left (eastward) each day. The Moon makes one complete orbit about the Earth in 29 days, keeping one side gravitationally locked toward our sphere, 7,920 miles in diameter. The “older” the Moon gets as it moves eastward, the more we see and the brighter the globe until reaching its brightest at full phase. This brightening moonlight washes out faint stars night by night until just the brightest ones are visible around the full phase. That’s why amateur astronomers love a moonless night, because we can see “deep sky” objects like nebula and star clusters that can’t be seen through moonshine. Look at the Moon with just our eyes; we obviously see dark splotches against bright areas. Ancient stargazers thought the dark areas were seas of water, and called them the Latin name Maria. The bright areas were assumed to be land with mountains. As the Moon progresses in its early days of crescent phase, the first Maria visible is Mare Crisium, the Sea of Crisis, a distinct oval in the upper right edge. To its left is the rather large Mare Serenity (Sea of Serenity) below it Mare

Tranquility (Sea of Tranquility), both having irregular shores. Once the Moon is at full phase, the giant Maria called “Ocean of Storms” (Oceanus Procellarum) is visible. The north border is curved with mountain ranges and called Mare Imbrium, Sea of Rains, which may be the impact region of a giant asteroid. There are other smaller Maria around the globe facing Earth. Some of these are Mare Frigoris, Mare Humorium, Mare Nectaris, Mare Nubium and Mare Vaporum. Curiously, the back side of the Moon is lacking in the dark Maria seen on the earth-facing side. One theory is when the Moon became locked in the Earth’s gravity; the molten lava was drawn to that side, oozing to the surface. Looking at the Moon in any kind of binoculars will reveal craters in those lunar seas, as well as mountain ranges. Two craters are hinted at with just our eyes: at full phase long streaks of bright rays can be seen coming from the crater Tyco in the south, and between Oceanus Procellarium and Mare Imbrium can be seen a bright spot that is crater Copernicus. Once you start navigating around the Moon with the aid of optical instruments, the details of craters and mountains are so numerous that remembering the names of them all is a challenge. But having a lunar atlas handy will give you literally hours of exploring the names of craters and even places where the six Apollo moon landings occurred. Because the Moon is so close and bright, it doesn’t take a very large telescope to see detail as small as 10 miles wide. A 3-5 inch lens refractor telescope or 6-8 inch mirror reflector telescope is enough light gathering power to see many lunar details. Every visible feature on the Moon has a name, and the early Moon cartographers chose to honor some of the brilliant scientists, authors and leaders of mother Earth. There are the prominent craters Aristotle, Plato and Archimedes, as well as Copernicus, Kepler and Newton. As the terminator moves across the lunar surface, each night presents the Moon in detail that is different than the night before. It’s along this division between day and night that most detail is seen as the shadows are long. The same is true during early morning and late evening when sunlight casts long shadows and the earthly landscape is more interesting than midday. When we look at the Full Moon in a telescope, it looks bland and features are hard to distinguish because there are now shadows. Fascination with the Moon is a hobby that can evolve into drawing the lunar features or photographing them. In learning your way around the Moon, you take the first step in exploring the Universe right from your backyard.

he Full Moon of June is the Strawberry Moon or Honey Moon, and it happens June 9th. The summertime full moons are low in the evening sky and often honey colored as the moonlight is filtered through our atmosphere. This is a possible source for those nuptial times enjoyed by newlyweds on honeymoon!

Tuesday, June 6 Happy 84th birthday to Apollo 15 moonwalker David Scott. He no doubt will look at the Moon this week and think of his lunar journey with James Irwin, deceased. They rode the first Lunar Rover next to the edge of an ancient lava river and Hadley Mountains in July 1971. Wednesday, June 7 Check NASA, Heavens-Above or SpaceWeather on the Internet for times when the International Space Station passes overhead. Thursday, June 8 The predawn skies are those of early Autumn nights, with the Milky Way spanning beautifully overhead toward the west. Friday, June 9 The Full Moon rises with Saturn in Ophiuchus, the thirteenth constellation of the Zodiac that astrologers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recognize and astronomers

do. Called the Serpent Handler, Ophiuchus is between Scorpius and Sagittarius. Saturday, June 10 Venus is in the morning skies, easily mistaken for an airplane light or other objects at 5 am when it is low in the east and rising until the Sun blots it out.. Sunday, June 11 The red star Antares is the heart of Scorpius the Scorpion. In the south it looks like a giant fish hook as the tail curls down the horizon. Monday, June 12 The moonlight doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t blot out the famous 2nd magnitude stars that make up the Big Dipper, high in the north. Pointing to Polaris at the North Pole, this asterism of the constellation Ursa Major is fun to move as the hours pass, so check it out a couple times each night and see the celestial merry-goround caused by the Earth turning eastward.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of June 6 -June 12, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. 23

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Dispatches From The Road Greetings, kind hearts. I'm writing to you from on the road this week. I never travel far these days without the Mobile Andy Command Unit.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

t's nice to be taking advantage of these modern times where one can have a rather zippy office they can take on the road. Just a tablet computer and a wireless keyboard and you can write poolside at the chic hotel like you're Ernest Hemingway. Replete with a supply of cool drinks so I can keep composed in this horrid heat. Why am I on the road you ask and why am I opening this week's column like I'm a cub reporter from the 1940s? You see, dear readers, I actually agreed to go camping with some friends this weekend. "But Andy" I can hear you asking, "are you trying to tell us that you've gone camping and you brought a number of those new fandangled devices with you?" Yes. Yes, I did. I am the jerk who went camping and took a wireless keyboard and an iPad with him. And a Bluetooth speaker. And a solar powered phone charger. And an obscene amount of Astronaut Ice Cream. "But Andy" I hear you ask again, with a hint of judgement in your voice, "isn't the idea behind camping to unplug and get back in touch with Mother Nature? To see a world beyond a screen and streaming music?" Why, yes. It's important to unplug, but I suffer from a strange affliction that requires me to have these devices with me. This affliction is something I like to call "Complete Terror of Being Cut Off from The Outside World, Dear Lord, I May Die this Weekend." Normally I spend my mornings on the back deck of my lush estate, Rossdale, while I watch the birds splash alongside my saltwater pool. My manservant, Rhinehart, brings me a fizzy imbibement. He's a good man that Rhinehart, always at the ready to bring me another ones. "I'm feeling parched, Rhinehart. Bring me another Erwin Baptist Church Lock In!" I'll shout. You see, these devices help me touch base with Rhinehart, who can't go camping. Poor devil, he has a horrid allergy to sheet cake, and as we all know the woods around here are just polluted to the gills from the nearby Duncan Hines factory. So here I am, sitting out in the great wide open on a moderately comfy folding chair. Smelling the fresh air, watching the campfire bristle, and chomping on Astronaut Ice Cream. My Bluetooth speaker is playing a selection of John Coltrane, which is clashing badly with the nearby sing-a- long that's taking place by the campfire. People are complaining but I pretend I can't hear them-the music is too loud! *wink* Yet as I sit here and watch this sight I do see the what people get out of camping. There's a romanticism to this. Dinner last night was most charming and memorable having it by campfire. Sitting there, looking at the twilight of dusk fill the air around us, using a tennis racquet to fight off a mosquito the size of a toddler with a good vocabulary. The air mattress too was surprisingly comfortable. I only swore five times trying to crawl out of it this morning. But once I had coffee and came to my senses, I did bask in the glow of a morning unlike any I had seen before.

I can honestly say this has been the best camping trip I've ever been on. Also, it's the only camping trip I've ever been on. Such a shame it has to end so quickly, but one night is plenty for me. My friends are staying for the whole weekend, where as I have called Rhinehart to come and pick me up in the car. There's a "Batman" marathon coming on TV tonight, and who am I to deny that? Let's face it, the call of the bat is much stronger than the call of the wild. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

eppe is a renowned guitarist but also a singer, composer, researcher who loves to tell stories about his journeys with a peculiar sense of humor and irony. Beppe shows in his performances a new and unique approach to the acoustic guitar, a style that he developed in a career of forty years of traveling, meeting with masters of many cultures, researching old forgotten traditions, performing for audiences of different Continents. Starting from the early studies of his American mentor Doc Watson, Beppe brought his flatpicking approach to a more modern development of plectrum guitar style, a poetic creative synthesis that reflects his work on the roots music of both sides of the Ocean, based on complex strumming, crosspicking and the use of open tunings. The program will focus on new original compositions inspired from the traditions as well as revival pieces from his main projects of research about European and American music. Part of the concert will be dedicated to songs and ballads in different languages spiced up with new acoustic guitar arrangements. Beppe will also tell about the great inspirations he got from the encounters with folk icons like Doc Watson, Pete Seeger or Bill Monroe, the musical contribution of European emigrants to the American cultural Melting Pot, the traveling and studies in mysterious places like the wild areas of Sardinia Island or some European â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gipsy-Regionsâ&#x20AC;?, the joy of keeping on writing in modern times new dance melodies or romantic serenades. www.beppegambetta.com www.facebook.com/BeppeGambetta www.youtube.com/user/crosspicker

Friday June 9, 8:00 pm The Down Home 423-929-9822 www.downhome.com

@ The Down Home

Beppe Gambetta in concert

The concert is an intriguing journey through 25 the multifaceted artistic world of Beppe Gambetta, a synthesis of the itineraries of his life, spent between his birth-place Genova, the United States where he currently resides and the rest of the world.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales

It's really hard to believe the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film franchise began back in 2003!

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

(Rated PG-13) 3 1/2 Pirates (out of 4)

'm sure we all remember the lasting impression Johnny Depp made with his first appearance as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl". His bumbling but lovable pirate has become one of the most recognizable characters in film history. Sparrow returns for another adventure in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales", a follow-up to the 2011 release "On Stranger Tides". The fifth installment of the film series has Sparrow dealing with his pending hanging, and the return of the undead and cursed pirate Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), who was trapped in the Devil's Triangle (also known as the Bermuda Triangle) years ago by Sparrow. We actually get to see Depp as a young Sparrow trapping Salazar and his ship in the Triangle, providing a bit of history for the character. In the present, Sparrow is soon fleeing his hanging accompanied by Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), the son of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), and a young woman named Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), who has been unjustly accused of witchcraft. Carina is actually an astronomer, and is out to help Turner find the Trident of Poseidon, which will break the curse Turner's dad Will has been under. After they escape hanging, Sparrow and Carina join Turner on a journey to find the Trident while being pursued by the British Royal Navy and the ghost ship of Salazar. Also entering the picture is Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), the one-legged pirate, who is Sparrow's rival-turned-ally. The only problem is Barbossa meets with Salazar in order to form an alliance to find Sparrow to keep from being destroyed himself. In other words, all is not looking well for Sparrow and company. The film features the joyous return of Sparrow's ship

The Black Pearl, along with Barbossa's pet monkey, which we know Sparrow fears. The film features plenty of opportunity for Sparrow to keep the witty dialogue flowing, and the character is just as fun we remember. Depp's co-stars come off great, especially Scodelario, who is perfectly cast in the role of the clever and smart Carina. The film features plenty of plot twists and director Joachim Ronning keeps the actors from going over-thetop, which Salazar could have easily done. Even though the film clocks in at 129 minutes, I never felt the film needed any editing. I must confess I left the theater too early and missed the bonus scene after the closing credits, so I'm warning you now to keep your seat if you want to see the final scene. After some less-thanstellar outings, this film series is back on track, thanks to the filmmakers decision to be heavily influenced by the 2003 original in both tone and script. For a fun summer adventure on the high seas, join Captain Jack Sparrow and crew for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dean Men Tell No Tales."

to Play Storytelling Live!

he popular teller, whose signature character, Marguerite Van Camp, is an o cto ge n a r i a n who became a doctor late in life, will share a wide variety of funny stories and lively songs, accompanying himself on guitar. Irwin’s appearance in Jonesborough, which is scheduled for June 13 17 (Tuesday through Saturday), is part of the ISC’s Storytelling Live! series, an artistic residency program that runs from May through the end of October. Each day he’ll offer a performance at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for matinee performances are just $12 for adults and $11 for seniors,

students, and children under 18. Advance purchase is always recommended. In addition to those appearances, Irwin plans to host a children’s concert on Saturday, June 17, at 10:30 a.m. The show, which is geared towards ages six through ten, will feature music, especially the storyteller’s incredible whistling, as well as a set of stories based on his own childhood in Georgia. Tickets for the Saturday morning show are just $5 for all ages, and ticket holders will receive coupons for 15 percent off at The Lollipop Shop, a popular Main Street store that sells old-fashioned sweets and toys. Irwin particularly likes performing for kids, who he still feels a kinship with even as he approaches age 60. “The secret to life is to treat children with the respect you give adults, and treat grownups with the exuberance that children crave,” he says. “That’s what I try to do in my concerts for kids.” The storyteller is thrilled by the prospect of spending a week in Tennessee’s oldest town, which he visits at least once a year. “It’s just so sweet to walk down the street in Jonesborough and step into a store,” he says. “I feel like

it’s home because people know my name. I’m a smalltown boy, and we’re on the road a lot, so to feel at home in Jonesborough is a huge, huge gift. I’m grateful for it. I know that sounds sappy, but it’s just a fact.” Storytelling Live! will bring a new storyteller to Jonesborough each week during its 2017 season. Ticketholders can present their ticket stubs for a 10 percent discount on same-day dining at JJ’s Eatery and Ice Cream or Main Street Café, two popular eateries in Jonesborough. Information about all performers, as well as a detailed schedule for 2017, is available at www.storytellingcenter. net. The premier sponsor of Storytelling Live! is the Heart & Soul program of Mountain States. Additional program funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the East Tennessee Foundation, Eastman Credit Union, the Niswonger Foundation, Citi and Food City. The International Storytelling Center is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information about Storytelling Live! or to make a group reservation, call (800) 952-8392 ext. 222 or (423) 913-1276.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Andy Offutt Irwin

Beloved storyteller and humorist Andy Offutt Irwin will 27 soon appear in downtown Jonesborough for a special series of matinee performances at the International Storytelling Center’s Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, located just off Main Street.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Going back some 200 to 400 million years ago, imagine the tiniest droplets of water making their way into the ground. After seeping through the dirt and rock on top, they slowly continue down into the depths of the earth where they meet hundreds of thousands of pounds of limestone rock.

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

ere the water finds resistance, but yet it doesn’t stop and continues to find a way downward. Finally, it finds a small crack in the limestone and enters, seeping throughout the length of the crack creating the very beginning of what we have come to know as Appalachian Caverns. Although Tennessee has more caves than any other state, there are few that are easily accessible to the general public. Many hours of training and a lengthy checklist of safety procedures are needed in order to explore the thousands of grottos under our feet. Most are also privately owned, presenting another barrier to those who would embark on their own subterranean adventure. Thankfully, Appalachian Caverns’ fantastic series of winding passageways, rock formations, and plunging caverns are open to anyone willing to take a short hike. Located just a few miles from Johnson City in nearby Blountville, the caverns have been an important part of local history for thousands of years. Early woodland tribes used to conduct ceremonies and meetings down in the front half of the cave. Historical artifacts such as broken pottery near the entrance also showed that trading used to be a common practice here. In later years, settlers rediscovered the cave and ventured further into its depths. It was later sealed off in fear of local children being lost or killed in the dark caverns, and was only reopened years later to be developed as the attraction it is today. Unlike most of the other commercial caves found across the state, Appalachian Caverns is run on a smaller and more personal scale. The guides aren’t required to follow a single script along their walk and tailor the tour to match the particular group they are with. If it’s a group of kids, the trip might focus on the myriad of cave creatures found along the trail. Adults might be more interested in the science behind the formations or storied history. Depending on who you’re with and what guide takes you, you could visit a dozen times and learn new things on every trip. Another thing we loved is how the individual groups are smaller than other caves we’ve been to. It’s just hard to enjoy the experience when you’re constantly being pushed along in a group of fifty people who just want to move on to the next formation. As stated before, the guides tailor each trip to the particular group. If a specific formation sparks your interest don’t be afraid to linger and ask questions. Our wonderful guide Roger was able to answer all our queries and adapted the tour to focus on the things we were most interested in.

Several different tour options are available. Regular tours last about an hour and will visit the highlights of the cave along a walking path and series of bridges. Portions of this route are wheelchair accessible. Here you will have the chance to see spectacular stalactites, flowstone, and pools ringed with rimstone. Wildlife such as cave crickets and the endangered gray bat frequent the trail. Further down in the lowest reaches of the cave you’ll pass over an underground stream. Due to recent rains it was a roaring river whose sound echoed throughout most of the tunnels on our most recent visit. If you’re not claustrophobic and ready for more adventure, perhaps you should sign up for either an Explorer Tour or the Wild Tour. The first ventures off the beaten path and doesn’t require much in the way of crawling or climbing, but you’ll probably leave a bit muddy. Wild Tours explore the far reaches of the cave and allow access to some spectacular formations. These are not for the faint of heart and require some squeezes through some tight spaces. Ranging from $20 to $40 per person, these are some great prices compared to many other places! Be sure to give them a ring before heading out, however, as these must be booked in advance. The number to call is 423323-2337, or you can visit the park website at www. appacaverns.com to get more information. Not everything at the caverns is underground. An amazing gift shop on the surface is filled to the brim with every kind of rock, fossil, and gemstone you can imagine. Also nearby you will find the gem mine, where the kids can have a great time searching for their very own crystals. A picnic area is also on site for guests to use. If you’re planning a special event, the park grounds include a picnic pavilion as well as a rock-climbing wall. A spacious campground lies above the cave and makes a great place to camp, especially if you’re looking for some place away from the crowds during a race weekend. This week, we are again offering our readers a chance to win some tickets. To go along with this week’s article, we are going to give away 2 sets of tickets so that you can explore Appalachian Caverns and all its beauty! All you need to do is tell us one of the following in the comments online: 1) If you have ever been cave exploring, what did you like best about it or 2) if you have never been in a cave before what excites you about going? Make your comments online and just like last time, our wonderfully talented publisher will draw two lucky winners for these tickets. Let’s see those comments!

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Appalachian Caverns

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

Webster

The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord

If the words exist I have yet to find them No compliments Can be given That accurately And properly Convey the awe that I have For justice to be served More research must be done More syllables pronounced New enunciations I must redefine This feeling And what this level of love Truly is

Hands ON June Events Monday, June 5th - Sunday, June 25th - Polymer Party You might be caught rubbernecking when you see the fun and mystifying experiments we try out with polymers. Write and stretch a secret message on a polymer chain and even make your own silly putty to take home! Programs in the Eastman Discovery Lab will be announced periodically throughout each day. Monday, June 26th - Sunday, July 9th - Star Spangled Science We want you to love science! Join is in celebrating Independence Day with effervescent "rockets". Then, help create liquid fireworks in a jar and watch our famous apple

launcher send apple pieces flying into the air! Programs in the Eastman Discovery Lab will be announced periodically throughout each day. If you have any questions on these or other programs, please call (423) 434-HAND.

The costume, set, props, sound, lights, scenic, and stage crew includes Hyacynth Barbera, Matthew Torbett, Cameron Roberts, Dakota Otey, Steve Baskett, Temmy Roberts, Daniel Tester, Albert Tester, Suzanne Eleas, Brett Hatcher, Marley Hillman, Lauren Brooks, James Altman, Jane Bellamy, Beverly Moody, Luke Gray, Anna Kimerer, Deanna Vanders, Devon White, Mason White, Luke Lohoff, Nick Meredith, Delaney Love, Emma Kennedy, Austin Jones, Ash Newman, Cindi Brooks, Ann Vance, and First Appalachian Robotics. To add to the celebration, Theatre Bristol is hosting its 2017 Gala fundraiser on Friday, June 16 with music, food, drinks, and a performance of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast." Tickets for the 2017 Gala are available directly on the Theatre Bristol website. Sponsorships and advertising are also available for this production and the 52nd season by contacting info@theatrebristol.org. Theatre Bristol's production of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" will open June 16 and run for two weekends with evening and matinee performances at the Paramount Center for the Arts, with whom they share a long history resulting from the determination of Theatre Bristol founder Cathy DeCaterina, catalyst for restoring the Paramount to its grandeur. Tickets are available online at www.paramountbristol.org with all available dates and times listed and by contacting the Paramount Center for the Arts at 423-274-8920. Theatre Bristol's quality productions are priced with the family and groups in mind, at $16 for adults and $12 for seniors and children, plus processing and preservation fees. Theatre Bristol's production of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials and logo supplied by Music Theatre International - www.mti.com. The production is made possible by season sponsors United Company Foundation and the Tennessee Arts Commission. For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol's website. www.TheatreBristol. org or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@ theatrebristol.org.

Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site will present its annual 31 SUMMERS PAST HISTORY PROGRAM for youth ages 6 –14.

hree five-day sessions will be offered between June 12th and June 30th. Historic based crafts, storytelling, games, cave exploration, and outdoor fun will be offered. Each session will be limited to 20 participants. The sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for each five-day week. The cost for each session is $100 for non-members and $90 for members. There is a reduced fee for two or more children from the same family. Parents may drop off children at 8:00 a.m. at no extra charge. Extended hours after 2:00 p.m. at $3.00 per hour per child are available until 5:00 p.m. Session One will run June 12th – 16th. This session will highlight Native American bead weaving, dissecting an owl pellet, pinch pot making, Native American legends, and more. Session Two will be held June 19th – 23rd and will showcase basketry, wool working, candle dipping, Jack Tales, and more. Session Three will take place June 26th – 30th. This session will feature tin punching, pillow making, meeting a Civil War soldier, Aesop’s Fables, and more. The ever-popular "Carters Raid" game will take place each week. There will also be a late morning snack provided to each camper every day. These are just a few of the many activities that will be offered during the program. For additional information and application, please contact Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site at 423-926-3631 or email tiptonhaynes@embarqmail.com.

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The Loafer keeps me up to date!" Tiffany B.

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Summers Past History Program

BEAUTY continued from page 15

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Answers on page 34

Ahna is a 3 year old Pug mix. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. She is a sweet girl who is good with kids!

Katie is a 7 year old Jack Russell mix. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. This sweet girl loves walks and is ready to go home!

he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time. Donations can be sent to The Bridge

Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423-239-5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ bridgehome

33 theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

PETS

OF THE WEEK

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017

THINGS TO DO Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276-679-4669 or visit www. marshblood.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Senior Services seeking Zumba instructor Senior Services at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., is seeking a Zumba instructor to teach classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15-10:15 a.m., May 16 through Aug. 10. Instructors are required to have current certifications in Zumba or Zumba Gold and CPR and must carry liability insurance. Please contact Lauren Fowler at 423-4614852 or lfowler@johnsoncitytn. org for more information. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Casual Word Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, and different look into writing. In this class, we will not focus on structure, form, or rules, but on the freedom of writing. It is the goal of this class to open the mind to its full creative potential by allowing participants to write what they want, how they want to write it. Sessions will be student lead; we will engage in topics and

subjects that are of interest to the students. The atmosphere is casual and jovial. This class is designed for all those 18 and up who wish to try their hand at creative writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Jones Creativity Center. Bristol Public Library. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• JC Community Drum Circle The Johnson City Community Drum Circle meets every Wednesday evening (April – October), 7pm - 8:30pm, inside the Farmers’ Market Pavilion next to Founders Park. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Come drum, hoop/ holler, dance, or just relax and take in the scene, no experience or “talent” necessary. There are shared instruments and of course you can bring your own drums or percussion. It's all improvised, so there are no mistakes. We just smile and keep playing. Bring your own seating! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

impact on a child’s life. Second, spread the word by following BBBS on social media. Third, Invite the BBBS agency to your organization or company's site for an informational Lunch and Learn. BBBS of the Greater TriCities, serves the Greater Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City area, including Carter, Hawkins, Sullivan, and Washington County, Tenn. and Washington County, Va. For more information on how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, visit www.tennesseebig. org or call 423-247-3240. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Beginner's Hoop Dance Class Memorial Park Community Center, Fridays 6-7pm. $5 a class, running until June 30. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Gray Library Computer Classes Classes begin at 4:30 p.m. and last about an hour. Call the library for information or to register at 423-477-1550. Thurs., June 15 Skype---how to make free phone calls using the internet Thurs., June 29 Basic internet searching---how to find what you need online

BBBS Continues 100 Mentors in Cryptogram:A check or credit card, a Gucci bag strap, anything of value will do. Give as you live. 100 Days Campaign Big Brothers Big Sisters of DropQuote: "I mistrust the satisfaction which makes a display of the possession of Infinity; that is called fatuity in Greater Tri-Cities and East TN philosophic terms." continues its campaign to recruit “100 Mentors in 100 Days”. The campaign began May 1st and will go through mid-August. During the 100 days, BBBS strives to raise awareness of the need for more volunteers to step up and become “Bigs” and decrease the wait time for children on the waiting list to be matched with a caring and safe mentor. During the campaign, there are several ways YOU can help make the 100 Mentors in 100 Days recruitment campaign a success. First, you can become a Big Brother or Big Sister; it only takes a little time to make a huge

IT’S A PHIGITAL WORLD AFTER ALL

Just when you thought you had reached a reasonable understanding of generational terms like “The Lost Generation,” “The Greatest Generation,” “Baby Boomers,” “Generation X,” “Millennials” (aka “Generation Y”), “Generation App,” and “Generation Z,” along comes our newest members--the “Phigital Generation.”

Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

ccording to Michael Stoner (an interesting generational last name), writing in the Call To Action: Marketing And Communications In Higher Education (May 18, 2017), Phigital “is the recently coined name for the upcoming generation of students who don’t draw a distinction between the physical and digital worlds and are comfortable in both.” Although this sounds like the definition of Millennials, the difference here is that the Phygitals don’t remember living in a world without the constant presence of digital devices and connectivity. So, they have no point of comparison and no contexts in which to understand experiences other their own. And they don’t understand why everyone doesn’t always understand their perspective. For them, it nevers enters their mind that they will ever be asked to be separated from their mobile devices. When we ask them to “Google it,” for example, they wonder why we even bother to ask. For Phigitals, Google is like the air they breathe, a constant presence that is never a conscious choice. Meris Stansbury’s very interesting and enlightening article from the May 31, 2017 edition of eSchool News points out that although Phigitals are technically a subset of Generation Z (those born between 1995 and 2012), they are still worthy of being more precisely defined. After all, there are nearly 73 million of these individuals wandering around with their digital devices (which seem more like appendages than products). Obviously, the presence of phygitals has some profound implications for our education system. Although we have been cognizant of the necessity of using digital technology in classrooms for several years, the coming of the phygitals demands that we stop seeing digital technology as a novelty and an opportunity for innovation and start understanding it as a given and a non-negotiable part of our cultural landscape.According to Stansbury, there are “three things K-12 and higher ed must know about the rising ‘phigital’ student.’” The first of these things is an understanding that “Digital is King.” Author David Stillman reminds us that “Gen Z has only known a connected world, and as a result, they don’t draw a distinction between working in an office [or a classroom] and working in a coffeehouse--it’s all work; they’re always online.” Their experiences with digital

reality is seamless and is expected to accompany them wherever they happen to be. The second thing to keep in mind is that “Individualization is Critical,” which means that the world represented by standardized testing and one-size-fits-all instruction is no longer relevant or useful. This of course doesn’t mean that teachers are no longer needed, but that the focus should now be on evaluating information rather than on memorizing it. If all teachers do is lecture and give tests, they can easily be replaced by adaptive learning

software. Teaching and learning should now more than ever be a dialogue between teacher and student--the way it used to be 2,500 years ago when Socrates roamed the streets of Athens in search of students eager to engage him in stimulating question and answer sessions. The third thing is that “Real-World Relevance is a Must,” which should come as no surprise. This is often misunderstood to mean that we should no longer study history, art, or literature, for example, because these pursuits are not relevant. On the contrary, these subjects are ones that demand students make relevant connections between past and present rather than just learning “facts and dates” for no apparent reason. History, after all, is the study of connections, and isn’t meaningful without critical thinking and problem solving.

At least that’s how I conduct my history classes, in an environment where I expect to learn more from my students than they learn from me. And, in an effort to make school and “real life” seamless experiences, many “institutions are going a step further in not only allowing students to create their own pathway to careers through competencybased learning and credentialing alternatives, they’ve also begun partnering with industry to create tailored student pipelines to some of the world’s most desirable careers.” And this is really no different than the classes I took in high school where I learned to type on a manual typewriter-the electric ones being reserved only for those with the best typing proficiencies. Those were my “back in the day” non-digital equivalents to today’s digital mobile technology. Needless to say, we should also understand that what is state-of-the-art today will be tomorrow’s yard sale bric-a-brac. Phigitals will soon be using their VR devices to achieve their learning goals, and who knows where that field is going? Just be prepared for it’s arrival, which in so many ways is already becoming a thing of the past. Those who are best prepared for all this are those who focus on processes rather than products--those who understand, in other words, that the foundation of learning is curiosity. And curiosity can be satisfied with a pencil and paper as well as with a VR viewing device. And aren’t pencils and paper also mobile devices? The mistake that is too-often made is making an artificial division between “reality” and “virtual reality.” For phigitals, this division doesn’t make sense. We should begin thinking of variations of reality rather than whether to classify something as “real” or “digital.” A smartphone is just as real as a book. Even nature, as one of my favorite writers, Henry Petroski, tells us, is not often as “real” as we might think; do we really believe that a landscaped yard is part of nature? And let’s not lose sight of the fact that Phigitals are not always young people. How many older (including elderly) people do you know who are obsessed with Facebooking and texting? In this sense, we are all members of the Phigital generation. I am proud to be an adopted Phigital as well as a pen-and-paper practitioner. It’s all real to me. See you next week with another phigital column.

theloaferonline.com | June 6, 2017